GIRR’s Repair Series is on it’s 5th year of community service, borne out of a desire to make repairs on all manner of household items accessible to Galiano Islanders. In the process we decrease retail consumption and increase landfill diversion. It’s a win all around.
We have been offering Small Appliance Repair since the beginning, but last year we broke away from the one-day event model and started offering small appliance repairs on an as-needed basis throughout the year. This has greatly increased the number of items we can service. How it works is this:
Send a photo with a description of the problem to galianorecycles@gmail.com. It could be a lamp, heater, toaster oven, or blender — essentially anything portable with an electrical plug on it. We can accommodate up to 18 small motors & appliance repairs this year! There is a limit of one item per household for the year.
Coming up on Saturday, April 18th from 10 am to 1 pm is our all-ages Clothing Swap, Textiles Repair & Upcycling event at the Galiano South Hall at 141 Sturdies Bay Road. If you’re interested in volunteering for this event, email Renée at galianorecycles@gmail.com.
Did you know that 75% of textiles donated to the Salvation Army are unwearable? These materials are downgraded and resold, sometimes to other resellers or perhaps upcycled. But a lot of them are shipped ‘away’ and make their way into overseas landfills. This is not what any of us want. Small actions can change this. When donating clothes (or bringing them to a swap, because remains at the end of the day will go to local charity shops) be sure to bring them in clean and in good condition — in season helps too! That’s it. Sharing clean and wearable clothes is a tiny act that can have a true impact.
And what else has an impact? Repair! Yes indeed, repairing and reusing is all part of reducing waste and making resources go further. We will have several repairers ready to take care of your loose threads, missing buttons, too-long pants, and other textile items too. Plus, hand-mending and upcycling demo’s and a spare sewing machine available for your use. In the world of fast fashion and low-quality garments, finding creative ways to repair, share or upcycle textiles is a form of activism, saving all these materials from the landfill. Come and be a textiles activist with us!
The date of our annual May Bike Repair event will be announced soon. It will be posted here and on our social media pages.
We’re still looking for an experienced tool & knife sharpener. A few hours on a Saturday is all the commitment we’re looking for. If you know someone like this, or are this person, send a message to Renée galianorecycles@gmail.com.
Thank you! We are excited about fixing your stuff!
